Netplex is what’s next in play

Posted on March 26, 2014 by PlayLSI

Earlier this year, we introduced Netplex™, a new net-based playstructure that challenges kids with an experience completely different from those offered by typical play structures. Climbing cables have been a popular playground material, and we’ve used them in many of our playstructures for more than 10 years. Now, using our patent-pending clamping system, Netplex takes a seemingly unbroken length of cable from the inner core of the playstructure to the outer posts and all the way around.

Netplex offers kids the challenge needed for healthy development into self-assured adults. The net-based playstructure challenges kids’ balance, motor planning and strategic thinking skills and gives the opportunity for graduated challenge—kids will stay low to the ground on more secure cables at first, and when they’ve mastered that they challenge themselves by going higher and engage new muscles.

Learn more about Netplex here, and see it in action in the video below.

[youtube=http://youtu.be/LXR-4KI9Nlw]

Happy New Year!

Posted on January 1, 2014 by PlayLSI

With the arrival of the New Year, it’s a great time for us to look back on 2013. We’re honored, along with our playground consultants, to collaborate with you on playground projects and proud of what we’ve accomplished together. Check out just a few of the happenings from 2013 in the following list:

Introduced exciting new products—Pulse™, We-saw™ and three site furnishings collections—in January.
Steve King, cofounder of Landscape Structures, unveiled his book A Legacy of Play, which documents the more than 40-year history of the company.
Announced our new partnership with Kiwanis International, and kicked off a contest to help bring play to communities around the world. Our winner was the Iola Kiwanis club in Iola, Kan., which is currently fundraising for their inclusive playground.
Barb King (1946-2008), cofounder of Landscape Structures, was inducted into the Minnesota Women Business Owners Hall of Fame, which honors women entrepreneurial leaders who represent 150 years of Minnesota business history.
Introduced new signature designs including the Eclipse Net® Plus, Hillscape Adventure and GeoNetrix.
Hosted occupational therapists for a playground tour throughout the Twin Cities metro during the AOTA Specialty Conference.
Collaborated with Washington D.C. Parks and Recreation to renovate playgrounds throughout the city.
Completed our 18th inclusive playground project with The Miracle League.
Installed a SpongeBob-themed playground at Enterprise Elementary School in Enterprise, Fla., which was the grand prize of the 2012 Nickelodeon “I Wanna Play” Sweeps.
Reconnected with, and met new, parks and recreation professionals at our party at Lucky Strike Lanes during the NRPA Congress & Exposition in Houston.
Attended the ASLA Annual Meeting & Expo in Boston at which our booth, featuring GeoNetrix, was voted by landscape architects as Best Visual Appeal.
Celebrated with our partner, Shane’s Inspiration, the grand opening of the first inclusive playground in the country of Ecuador.

In less than two weeks, we’ll continuing celebrating a great 2013 with our playground consultants from around the world when they arrive in Minnesota for our Annual Sales Meeting. Stay tuned for announcements of our new catalog, products and more in the upcoming weeks! Want to be the first to hear about them? Sign up for our e-newsletters or subscribe to receive notifications of new blog posts by email.

NEDS provides great training, networking opportunities

Posted on December 23, 2013 by PlayLSI

Earlier this month, we were proud to sponsor the National Executive Development School (NEDS), which is a four-day training workshop for parks and recreation professionals held in Albuquerque, N.M. NEDS, now in its 23rd year, brings staff, managers and directors together to learn new solutions, network with other professionals and earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs).

This year the event welcomed more than 40 attendees from multiple states. With more than half of the attendees registered for Year One, the NEDS planning committee is looking forward to seeing those same individuals progress through to Year Two and eventually the Executive Track. If you’re considering attending NEDS in the future, watch the short video below to hear testimonials from attendees this year. The conference provides some of the best speakers, and is a great value for your training and CEU dollars.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x2gWSxSpaF0&feature=youtu.be]

Meet the professional: Joy Kuebler

Posted on November 13, 2013 by PlayLSI

We are honored to work with landscape architects around the world, and we’re constantly learning about their fun and unique projects, obstacles faced and innovative solutions that they create to overcome challenges. That’s why we’ve created this new feature that spotlights professionals. This week, meet Joy Kuebler, owner of Joy Kuebler Landscape Architect, PC.

Q: How long have you been involved in landscape architecture?
A: I’ve been involved in the landscape architecture industry for nearly 20 years. I started my career working for a small firm in Florida, then moved to large multidisciplinary architecture and engineering firms. In 2003, I started my own practice, Joy Kuebler Landscape Architect, PC, which has allowed me to create my own level of service that I can offer to customers.

I’ve worked on many projects from small residential projects to designing entire corporate campuses. No matter what the project, though, I bring an environmental aspect to each and ask myself how I can provide a better quality of life to users. I focus my work on the human experience—from filtering out noise to choosing a calming color palette and creating a space where users can feel comfortable.

Q: What have been some of your favorite projects?
A: Some of my favorite projects have been creating outdoor classrooms at elementary and high school settings. One project in particular that stands out is an urban elementary school for which I created a space for pre-k to second grade kids. I had 11,000 square feet with which to work, and I incorporated mounds, logs, boulders and an existing stream to create six classroom spaces. It became a sort of oasis for these kids as they didn’t have much connection to nature outside of school.

Another space I am proud to have been involved in is a learning courtyard in a high school setting. Within 6,000 square feet, I created a pond, stream, bog, forest and a garden for students. It provided an opportunity for them to be free and relieve the stresses of the day. These kids became truly engaged in the nature around theme, and enjoyed the chance to be outside—whether for relaxation alone, socializing with friends or catching up on homework.

Q: What are some of your personal hobbies?
A: I love to dance tango! I wear a lot of hats—I’m a single mom of two, business owner—and dancing allows me to turn everything off and live in the moment. I started tango dancing because of a Groupon; I began a one-year quest to find a new hobby during which I tried many things. The one that stuck was dancing—it’s one of the most joyous experiences ever! I’ve met lots of diverse friends, and have learned to trust people to lead me and let them into my personal bubble.

Q: You’re active on Twitter; how did you get involved with social media and what do you enjoy about it?
A: My friends first encouraged me to join Facebook and Twitter because they know how social I am and they knew I would love it—and I did. Aside from the social aspect of it, social media allows me to contribute to the profession.

Facebook: I share hands-on content about how a day or project goes as well as public events. It’s an interactive way to show who we are at Joy Kuebler Landscape Architect, PC.

Twitter: I have a direct conversation with the world on Twitter. I have a connection with many people because of Twitter, and have actually even had the opportunity to meet people in person at conferences and professional events.

LinkedIn: This is a powerful tool for me. I have many connections with different groups and choose to participate in community boards, which give me a more global reach.

Teaching students the importance of composting

Posted on October 11, 2013 by PlayLSI

The second annual Green Apple Day of Service, a day sponsored by the USGBC’s Center for Green Schools, took place on Friday, Sept. 27. We celebrated a day early by partnering with the MN Green Schools Coalition to help Delano Elementary School (DES) in Delano, Minn., improve their existing composting program. Throughout the week, DES’s media teacher read Compost Stew to each class and they completed a fun, classroom activity. Then on Friday, Sept. 27, we helped students compost their lunch waste, and handed out apples and goodie bags to each student and staff member. By participating in this program, the MN Green Schools Coalition awarded DES dollars to purchase new library books with an environmental theme. Check out the video of the event below, and go here to learn more about our community outreach.

Bringing play to schools around the nation

Posted on October 1, 2013 by PlayLSI

We’re honored to partner with the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) on their Community Service Day. For the past four years, we’ve worked side-by-side with principals from around the nation to build and beautify school playgrounds in conjunction with the organization’s annual conference.

John Ruhrah Elementary/Middle School, Baltimore, Md.

In July, we worked with NAESP members to install an inclusive playground at John Ruhrah Elementary/Middle School in Baltimore, Md. Principal Mary C. Donnelly said that she thinks the new playground will dramatically increase the use of outdoor grounds for both school instruction as well as recreation. As we completed the playground project with NAESP this year, we thought it would be fun to look back at the other schools we’ve helped over the years.

Hawthorne Elementary School, Seattle, Wash.

Principals congregated at Seattle’s Hawthorne Elementary School in March 2012 to build an inclusive playground. In just a few hours, the inclusive PlayBooster® playstructure was installed, allowing the principals to network with each other and interact with Hawthorne Elementary students.

Booker T. Washington Elementary School, Tampa, Fla.

In April 2011, we created a nature-inspired outdoor learning environment for Booker T. Washington Elementary School in Tampa, Fla. Now more than two years later, Principal Toynita Martinez says the outdoor classroom concept is being embraced. “All of our teachers are taking advantage of the outdoor classroom,” said Martinez. “A lot of math and science classes take place outside. Plus, reading groups disperse in the space to finish a reading assignment and then come together to discuss.”

MacGregor Music and Science Academy, Houston, Texas

Our first time participating in the NAESP Community Service Day was in 2010. We designed a sensory-rich play space complete with the Sensory Play Center® and Cozy Dome® for students at MacGregor Music and Science Academy in Houston, Texas. “We’re really proud and still excited about the gift that NAESP and Landscape Structures provided,” said Principal Patricia Allen of the playground.

Learn more about our partnership with NAESP, and our joint commitment to enhancing the lives of children and the communities in which they live.

Show your school spirit… on the playground

Posted on September 11, 2013 by PlayLSI

Personalization adds a unique element to playgrounds, and it also lets you show your school spirit! Versailles Elementary School in Versailles, Ohio, went all out to show their support for the Tigers. By incorporating their school colors—orange and gray—and a couple of personalized panels showing their school mascot, there is no doubt to anyone that visits the playground that it is the home of the Tigers.

Not only can we help you create an entirely personalized playground like Versailles Elementary, but we can add any level of personalization to best meet your needs. From a personalized welcome sign to playground panels with your school name, motto or mascot, or a customized freestanding play component, we’ll help make your school playground design your own.

Acceptance of all…in a lunch box

Posted on August 27, 2013 by PlayLSI

As many students and teachers head back to school, it’s important to think about inclusion in the classroom as well as on the playground. Socialization at school can often be struggle for children with special needs, and their isolation may have a damaging effect. That’s why Shane’s Inspiration created the online Inclusion Lunch Box program.

The Inclusion Lunch Box program is an interactive elementary school program that promotes social inclusion and reduces bullying toward children with disabilities. The program works in a simple, three-step process:

Students between grades 3 and 6 participate in a 60-minute ability awareness workshop, during which they use written and hands-on exercises and group discussion to explore common misconceptions and perceptions about disabilities. They learn to distinguish between fact and fiction.
Students with and without special needs are then paired at an inclusive playground to spend the day playing with and learning about each other. Using a variety of toys/games/activities, children of all abilities are supported as they connect.
In a post play date workshop in the classroom, students consider how their perceptions shifted about themselves and people with disabilities. Following the initial program, teachers can continue educating students about ability awareness throughout the year via humanities-based activities.

We support this program of Shane’s Inspiration, and their efforts to make it available to elementary schools throughout North America. The Inclusion Lunch Box program includes step-by-step guides and materials to facilitate classroom and playground workshops, plus a follow-up academic curriculum. Even more, Shane’s Inspiration staff is available for ongoing support to teachers and administrators.

Serving up play to two Vancouver schools

Posted on July 1, 2013 by PlayLSI

Volunteers from Circle K International built playgrounds at two Vancouver Schools We’re proud to say that last week we worked together with Circle K International (CKI) members, Kiwanis and our local playground consultant, Habitat Systems, to build playgrounds at two deserving schools in Vancouver, British Columbia. More than 150 CKI volunteers installed playgrounds at Sir Wilfrid Laurier Elementary School and Sir Wilfrid Laurier Annex as part of CKI’s 13th Annual Large Scale Service Project, which took place prior to their annual convention.

After two days of construction, two new school playgrounds were ready for students in Vancouver.

Both schools had aging wooden play structures that were scheduled for removal due to safety concerns. “The students were aware that the playgrounds were being removed, and were disappointed,” explained Janet Souther, principal of Sir Wilfrid Laurier Elementary School. “The Laurier parents, staff and students at both the Elementary and the Annex have been working hard on various fundraising projects but new playgrounds were still years away. Landscape Structures, Kiwanis, Habitat Systems and our local corporate donors have made these school playgrounds a reality and we are beyond grateful!”

Sir Wilfrid Laurier Elementary & Annex celebrate their new playgrounds with a grand opening event on the last day of school.

After two days of construction, some of which took place during rain showers, the two playgrounds were complete. On Thursday, June 27, both the Elementary and Annex celebrated the new playgrounds, in addition to the last day of school, with grand opening ceremonies.

Thornton Creek Elementary School celebrates new inclusive playground

Posted on May 30, 2013 by PlayLSI

The grand prize recipient of the School Grounds. Playgrounds. Common Ground.® contest, Thornton Creek Elementary School in Novi, Mich., celebrated the completion of their new inclusive playground with a grand opening on Thursday, May 23. The school received $50,000 in inclusive playground equipment from the Landscape Structures- and NAESP Foundation-sponsored contest, plus a playground committee spearheaded some major fundraising efforts in order to design a truly inclusive playground for students.

Thornton Creek's playground committee worked tirelessly to raise additional funds.

Thornton Creek Elementary School playground committee

Thornton Creek Elementary School’s new playground features an inclusive design that focuses on bringing children of all abilities together to learn, play and grow. A PlayBooster® playstructure was included in the design along with inclusive and sensory-focused freestanding components like the Cozy Dome®, OmniSpin® spinner, Oodle® Swing and We-saw™. Thornton Creek Elementary School’s new playground will welcome children of all abilities as well as serve as an outdoor classroom to help students develop their social, problem solving and gross motor skills.

The We-saw™ is just one of the inclusive playground components at Thornton Creek's new inclusive playground.

Thornton Creek Elementary School’s new inclusive playground

The grand opening included a ribbon-cutting ceremony with all of the students. Classrooms that raised the top fundraising dollars were honored and allowed the “first play” opportunity on the new playground followed by other classrooms throughout the morning. Congratulations to the entire school community for providing a place where kids of all abilities can play together!

Together We Play

Bringing the magic of play to communities.

Category Archives: Schools